Steering wheel heavier than usual - Citroen C4 Cactus

[focus2u]

Hi, this is my first post here as I'm looking to get some advice regarding my power steering issue.

Last week, when turning on the car and driving a little bit, I felt that the steering wheel is much heavier than usual. So took it to mechanic, they couldn't find anything that could be wrong mechanically - They checked on their OBD scanner, and no faults came up. I've also checked tyre pressure and alignment and all seemed to be good. The mechanic even said that when they test-driven it, all was good and nothing abnormal noted.

But after driving this car for about 10000km, I know there's a difference in the steering wheel control, and that I'm not going crazy!
The car itself is: Citroen C4 Cactus 2017 BlueHDI 100km

So I have a couple of questions/issues:

1. When checking the Citroen Cactus manual, there's no dashboard light included for power steering, even though it's EPS.
2. Could it be a blown fuse, and could it fail without any warning lights? because of the above? I have a 80a power steering fuse in the engine fuse box
3. Could it be something else in the power steering system that is failing, and that it just doesn't show any errors or something like that?

I appreciate any advice and help.

Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

No it won't be a blown fuse otherwise you'd have no power assistance at all. This system works directly off the battery, so So how old is the battery? The power steering ECU needs a certain amount of power to provide assistance. So check the battery health first of all.
If there are no fault codes (and bear in mind that not all mechanics aftermarket scanners can read all the manufacturer fault codes - especially the specific ones).

If the power assistance is not as effective as it used to be when taking off or when driving, then the unit most likely will need replacing.

Obviously the first thing I would do after the battery check is to ensure the connections to the power steering system have not been disturbed or damaged and that power is getting to the unit.

If you provide your VIN I will check to see exactly which type you have and if there are any additional tests you can undertake (please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff).

[focus2u]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I will have a look at testing the battery health.

The car VIN is: VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok so there are quite a few potential fault codes that can appear with this system. I still think if there is a fault and your mechanic cannot see one, that his diagnostic is unable to pick them up. If you do manage to get any fault codes, pop them up here and I can advise as to what the issue may point to.

[focus2u]

Thanks. Just something else, which might be a strange question - Can I just ask if there are specific types of diagnostics that can pick up these sorts of errors? I understand there's Diagbox that is designed for Citroen etc. But if there are any other ones

[GiveMeABreak]

I can't really comment on after market systems - of course there are various degrees of diagnostic tools and the more the functionality and range of manufacturers and capabilities the higher the cost.

Diagbox software and a VCI clone is the next best thing you will get to dealer-level diagnostics for Citroen, Peugeot and DS automobiles vehicles.

The problem you will have is without knowing if there is a genuine fault code present and any clues as to the cause, you won't be any the wiser and don't really want to be replacing parts unnecessarily.

Having said that, if you have undertaken basic checks like the electrical supply is getting to the power plug. Here are the connections, but note there is no electrical connector at the ECU end.

"a" Black 3-way connector.
"b" Ancillaries battery positive terminal.
"c" Earth terminal.

1 Ignition positive
2 IS CAN High
3 IS CAN Low

[Rp0thejester]

People rely on fault codes to often. It's probably a mechanical issue. Please bear in mind that when you take it to a garage they drive ALOT of cars, so an issue to you wouldn't be an issue to them. Only you know your car.

[GiveMeABreak]

But this power steering system is entirely electrically operated Ryan, so unless the vehicle has been kerbed very severely and damaged the internals of the rack, a lack of assistance without any other issues is very likely down to voltage or the electronics of the system. As there's no user serviceable parts of this power steering system when it goes the whole thing is generally replaced.

[Rp0thejester]

I only post these replys to people Marc because I know you will join in! Got you sussed bud.

[Acatch]

Hi!

Same issue here- did you get a resolution.

Have a Citroen c4 cactus 2016. Car was pulling to the left. Tracking was out slightly, corrected and issue persisted. Independent garage couldn’t find reason so took to Citroen garage. Rear left tyre was different to the others- they swapped to rear right and it started pulling to the right. They said tyre must be exactly the same on each axle as suspension is very sensitive. They didn’t have a matching tyre in so we took to another independent garage who said they were talking nonsense and the tyre we have on the car is fine. Tracking was slightly out again so they fixed and said it drove fine. I disagree as the wheel is so much heavier than it ever used to be and pulls to the right.

I’m losing my mind! Will the tyre brand change it??

[GiveMeABreak]

You must have the same tyres on each axle - the vehicle stability and action under heavy braking can be affected if not, especially in wet conditions where grip is and water dispersion is essential to handling.

The second garage you took it to are clueless and gave you incorrect information. Tread patterns are different on different tyres, and should be the same on each axle.

The rules are that if you have to mix tyre brands, then keep the exact same tyre make and tread pattern on each axle. Never mix tyres on the same axle.

[Huskyxantia]

Had heavy steering on my 207 , was the electrical connector , it was weather ruined new one sorted the problem . Tyres can be an issue too ,but these electric steering pumps will stop you turing the wheel when they give up the ghost.

[Casie]

I’m having the exact same isssue, thought I was going mad.

My cars now been to several garages, all of them say it’s the tracking so I get the tracking and then the problem is there still and they say they don’t know what the issue is.

Before they did swap the tyres on the front and it was better for a little while, and then after a few weeks my tyre light came on and the steering went again. Although all tyres are still the same PSI they’ve always been. It’s really strange, I even had my car put into a Citroen dealership and they wasn’t sure of the issue either.

Another previous time they swapped around two types on the back and the car started pulling to the right instead, but I’ve since had the tyre replaced and again was fine for a while and then persisted to do the same thing.

Worth noting that it’s really strong pull between 0-40mph but anything above this there isn’t much of a pull at all, very odd! Guessing it’s an electric fault with the power steering, would appreciate any advise!